Smart cities technologies are not going to lead to the right outcomes unless end users are recognized as integral players in the planning process.

Jared Mondschein considers the reasons that smart cities initiatives have been less than successful in addressing urban needs such as improved mobility and better water management. He believes that engagement with stakeholders early on in the design process is key to improving smart cities outcomes.
"Local smart city initiative leaders have told me and my colleagues that the technologies themselves aren’t the problem – indeed, the sensors and other tools being deployed are often well established with few issues. Rather, smart cities are struggling to navigate the disparate (and often competing) goals, values and needs of the various stakeholders," says Mondschein.
When local residents are not at the planning table with vendors and city officials, the technology employed is often not the right fit for the needs of users. For example, open data portals where smart city data is available should be empowering residents, businesses, and organizations. "But we've uncovered that design flaws may be preventing users from easily accessing and analyzing the data to create community-oriented solutions," notes Mondschein.
FULL STORY: Residents need a seat at the table when planning smart cities

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Test News Post 1
This is a summary

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service